Beach Safety

Due to its isolation, the beach in front of our Resort is not patrolled. If you are not a strong swimmer or a surfer experienced with Australian beach conditions, then we recommend you swim at a patrolled beach, the nearest being Sunrise Beach 2km north of Castaway Cove™ (only patrolled during Queensland school holidays and weekends from September to April). To the south, Peregian and North Peregian beaches are patrolled.

 

At the beach always swim between the red and yellow flags during patrolled times not outside them. The flags mark the safest place to swim and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol. Blue flags indicate where surfing is allowed.

Many surf beaches in Australia have strong currents, called rips. These are powerful currents of water that can drag you out to sea. If you find yourself being caught in a rip, do not panic. Stay calm, float with the current and raise your hand, swim parallel to the shore. Do not try to swim against the rip, as you will simply get tired and lose strength.

 

 

• If you are unsure of the beach surf conditions check with a lifesaver. • Read and obey warning signs on beaches, beach access points and at waterways. • Always swim with others. Children should always be accompanied in the water by an adult who can swim. • Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in darkness. • Never jump or dive into shallow water, a rockpool, creek, lake or river due to immersed rocks and logs. • Know your health limitations when considering diving, snorkelling, swimming (or other active pursuits).

 

Dangerous Marine Life in Tropical Queensland

Queensland, like any coastal destination, has marine life that can pose threats to humans when proper precautions are not observed. While these creatures do not pose a major threat, it is important to be aware of their potential danger. We've listed the creatures below, not to alarm you, but rather to point out some significant facts.

Sharks

The chances of a shark attack are very low and there are some simple tips for safe swimming to help reduce the risk of incidents involving sharks and humans.

• Swim at a patrolled beach and between the flags. • Do not swim in canals or near a river mouth. • Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted. • Never swim alone. • Never swim at dawn or dusk or at night. • Never swim in murky waters. • Do not swim near schools of fish. • Do not swim in canals or near a river mouth. • Do not swim near, or interfere with, shark control equipment.

Remember that sharks and other marine creatures are a natural part of the marine environment.

Marine Stingers

There are many species of jellyfish found in the oceans of the world. In Australia, two of these species - the Chironex Box Jellyfish and Irukandji - are classified as dangerous tropical jellyfish (marine stingers) which may be present in in northern Queensland waters during the higher risk months (November-May).

These jellyfish are not found on the Fraser and Sunshine Coasts.

 

While the risk of a severe marine sting is comparatively low, by following some simple risk management strategies the risk can be further reduced.

• Always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags. • Wear protective clothing (eg wet suit or lycra body suit) to reduce exposure to potential stings. • Do not swim when beaches are closed. • Look for and observe safety and warning signs that will advise of dangers present. • Enter water slowly (Chironex Box Jellyfish will often swim away from people, if given the opportunity and time). • Symptoms from Irukandji stings may take 20 - 40 minutes to develop. If in doubt, seek medical aid. • Restrain the patient from rubbing the sting and advise them to remain still, being careful not to be stung yourself. • Call for Help, Dial 000 for an ambulance. • Administer Emergency Care. • Treat the sting by pouring vinegar onto the sting area.

Blue Bottles

Bluebottles are found nearly worldwide and are common on all of Australia’s east coast beaches where they are blown shoreward by summer onshore winds. In Australia and New Zealand, this jellyfish is known as the blue bottle, due to its colour and shape when strewn on a beach. Elsewhere in the world it is known as the "Portuguese Man o War" as it is said to look like a Portuguese battleship with a sail.

If a tentacle attaches itself to a human, it releases a poison and if you continue to rub the skin after the tentacle has been removed more poison or venom will be released. If you are stung, it is best to wash the area without touching. A cold pack should be used to relieve the pain. If stung, please consult a doctor immediately. No fatalities have ever been reported within Australia or New Zealand from the sting of a blue bottle.

Crocodiles

Estuarine or saltwater crocodiles are an important part of north and central Queensland's wetlands, freshwater and marine areas. They are often the largest predator in these areas and help to maintain the overall health and balance of these ecosystems. Estuarine crocodiles live mainly in tidal reaches of rivers, as well as in fresh water sections of lagoons, swamps and waterways to hundreds of kilometers from the sea. They can even occur along some beaches and around offshore islands. Estuarine crocodiles are most active at night.

Crocodiles are not found on the Fraser and Sunshine Coasts.

 

Crocodiles are potentially dangerous. Never take unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat, you are responsible for your own safety, so please follow these guidelines:

• Obey crocodiles warning signs - they are there for your safety and protection. • Never swim in water where crocodiles may live even if there is no warning sign present • When fishing, stand at least a few metres back from the water's edge - never stand on logs or branches overhanging the water. • Never clean or discard fish scraps near the water's edge, around campsites, or at boat ramps. • Never dangle your arms or legs over the side of a boat. If you fall out of a boat, get out of the water as quickly as possible. • Stay well back from any crocodile or mud-slide marks. Crocodiles sometimes approach people and boats. • Never provoke or interfere with crocodiles, even small ones. • Never feed crocodiles - it is illegal and dangerous. • Camp at least 2m above high water mark and at least 50m from the water's edge. Avoid places where native animals and domestic stock drink. • Never leave food scraps, fish frames or bait at your campsite. Always check that previous campers have not left these behind • Never prepare food, wash dishes, or pursue any other activities near the water's edge or adjacent sloping banks. • Be more aware during breeding season, September to April.

Click here for further information on Queensland beaches.